The Reason and Standard of Love
“As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”
The word “as” can mean both “for the reason that” and “to the same degree that.” [1]
In other words, Jesus has loved us first. So, now he tells us the reason we should love one another.
He also gives the ultimate example of love for us to follow. Prior to this passage, he has washed the disciples’ feet. Soon, he will give his own life on the cross for us. That is the degree with which we must love one another.
[1]. These two meanings are seen both in English for the word “as” (www.merriam-webster.com) and in the original Greek word kathōs.
Image source: www.agnusday.org
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